Enter and view: Northampton General Hospital Opthalmology
Download (PDF 1.03 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch North and West Northamptonshire undertook an enter and view visit to the Opthalmology unit at Northampton General Hospital on 8 February 2024. Their aim with this visit was to evaluate the services being provided within Northampton General Hospital’s Eye Unit which included Ophthalmology Outpatients, the Eye Casualty Unit and the Singlehurst Clinic.
Overall the staff are friendly and helpful, they have positive impacts when interacting with patients and give the impression that they are dedicated to their jobs and care for the patients within their clinics. There was positive morale and satisfaction of staff within their current roles and responsibilities. Patients have a positive experience with the clinical teams within the Ophthalmology Departments.
The facilities are clean and well-maintained in terms of functionality and patient safety. The seating areas were clean and there are infection prevention measures in place to ensure patients and staff are kept safe, with hand gels available around the department and necessary notices were displayed appropriately. The environment within the unit is needing improved décor, as this takes away from the quality of service being provided.
The directional signs and the toilets are dementia friendly with their contrasting colours. The facilities are accessible for those with physical disabilities, with wide corridors and a lift to access the Singlehurst Clinic.
The patient information that is displayed is limited and difficult to read due to the small print. There was a lack of patient information and materials available for patients in other languages. The notice boards could be better organised and utilised more effectively.
The parking issues experienced by patients is significantly affecting their experience of the services.
The Ophthalmology Outpatient’s Department is lacking patient engagement resources, such as TV to keep patients engaged.
Patients fedback that the wait times were longer than expected for their appointment.
The report contains a number of recommendations about improving the environment, facilities for patients and communication.